This study focuses on the development of sustainable fashion and eco-design practices, particularly in China. The issue of eco-design is examined from the perspective of human interaction with natural and artificial environments, which are integral to daily life. The study demonstrates that this is associated with the development of a participatory approach to design. The study proves that participation has become an important factor in regulating social interaction within sustainable fashion between designers and manufacturers.
The study's theoretical basis was drawn from scientific literature on cultural studies, art theory and criticism, costume and fashion history, sociology, communication theory, mass consumption and the technical and technological aspects of design practices. Professional sources were used to develop visual samples illustrating the work of European and Chinese designers.
The paradigm of sustainable fashion finally emerged at the beginning of the 21st century. Among its mutually subordinate components is the concept of environmental, economic and social sustainability. Accordingly, strategies are being developed that incorporate various ecological design concepts. The content of these concepts determines environmentally oriented approaches, techniques and means that correlate with the functions and quality of design products. A study of eco-design practices in the textile and clothing industries in China has revealed another significant component of sustainable fashion: cultural sustainability. This is characterised by strengthened communication ties between designers and consumers, indicating their mutual interest in the outcomes of their interactions within sustainable fashion practices. As a result, an ecological consciousness is formed based on ecological thinking, resulting in ecological demands and needs. Ultimately, an ecological culture is formed.
The key concepts of eco-design are analysed, and their conditionality by the components of sustainable fashion – sustainable, ethical, slow fashion – is investigated. The relevance of the concept of circular fashion is demonstrated by the interconnectedness of production, consumption and recycling in a closed cycle, resulting in not only waste disposal, but also the creation of new design strategies that take reuse into consideration during the design stage. The interdependence of textiles, their decoration and the principles of clothing formation, which are based on traditional craft techniques and technologies, is established. It has been revealed that, in reviving traditional crafts, Chinese designers are creating eco-fashion that is "outside of time". It has been demonstrated that the primary technique in Chinese eco-design should be regarded as cultural sustainability.
The generalised results of the study indicate that the concept of sustainable fashion encompasses ecological, social, economic and cultural sustainability. Ecologically oriented design techniques are subordinate to these aspects. Ecological sustainability involves the creation and decoration of textile materials using only natural materials, the revival and reinterpretation of traditional craft techniques and textile technologies in a modern context, waste-free shaping, a deconstructive approach to synthesis combined with waste-free shaping in modern costume design, and upcycling.
Social sustainability involves implementing the concept of 'sustainable fashion' as a way of life. This can be achieved through the following techniques: ethical treatment of plants and animals; fair treatment of textile product manufacturers and workers; and an ethical approach to consumers through a participatory approach. Economic sustainability involves applying techniques such as circularity in the organisation of textile and clothing production, creating new business models based on ecological and social sustainability, and reusing and recycling textiles and clothing. Cultural sustainability is determined by techniques such as focusing on the preservation and development of cultural heritage, traditions, and values within the broader context of ethnic identity.
